Carrier Oils

Carrier oils are commonly known as base oils or vegetable oils.



They are used to dilute the essential oils, CO2s and absolutes before being used on the skin or added to aromatherapy bath oils. These oils are called carrier oils because they carry the essential oils to the skin. The properties of different oils are different. You need to choose your carrier oil wisely to get the desired therapeutic effect.

These oils are generally cold-pressed vegetable oils. They are obtained from the fatty portions of the plant like nuts and seeds. While aromatherapy bath oils are highly volatile and fragrant, these carrier oils do not evaporate or release strong smells.



Never use the commercially available vegetable oils in aromatherapy. This is because these oils are obtained by solvent extraction and then destroyed. This process destroys the benefic properties of the oil and thus they become ineffective. Using cold-pressed oil will ensure that the vitamins and therapeutic benefits of the oil are retained during manufacture.

The most common types of carrier oils are sweet almond, apricot kernel, grapeseed, avocado (both refined and unrefined), black seed, borage, calendula, coconut, jojoba, peach kernel, rose hip, St. John’s wort, sunflower, peanut, olive, pecan, macadamia nut, sesame, evening primrose, walnut and wheat germ. Depending on the benefit that you are looking out for, choose your oil.



These oils by themselves too have therapeutic properties. The carrier oils sold in the grocery store are not cold-pressed but are heated and hence have minimal therapeutic value. These oils should not be used in aromatherapy. Mineral oil should never be used in aromatherapy since it is not a natural product. It prevents the absorption of aromatherapy bath oil into the skin.

Unlike aromatherapy bath oils, carrier oils can go rancid. Always buy the natural and unadulterated oil.



But you can buy oils with vitamin E added to it since vitamin E is the most popular natural preservative. The carrier oils should be light and non-sticky which makes their penetration into the skin very easy. Always purchase these oils from a reputed manufacturer. Take references of the experts in aromatherapy for good-quality brands before purchasing any carrier oil.

Almond oil (Sweet) – extracted from the kernel. Contains glycosides, minerals, vitamins and proteins. It is good for skin, helps to relieve itchiness, soreness, dryness and inflammation.

Apricot kernel oil – extracted from the kernel.



Contains minerals, vitamins. Used for sensitive, dry, inflamed and all skin types, particularly for pre-matured age.

Avocado pear oil – extracted from the fruit. Contains vitamins, proteins, lecithin and fatty acids. Used in all skin types, especially dehydrated dry skin and eczema.

Carrot oil – contains vitamins, minerals and beta-carotene. Used when there is premature ageing, itching, eczema, dryness and psoriasis. Reduces scars and is very rejuvenating.

Corn oil – contains minerals, vitamins and protein.



It is soothing for all types of skin.

Evening Primrose – contains vitamins, minerals and gamma linolenic acid. Used in menopause related tensions, multiple sclerosis, heart diseases. Used in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis. Prevents premature ageing of the skin.

Hazelnut oil – extracted from the kernel, contains vitamins, minerals and proteins. It has a slight astringent action and can be used for all skins.

Peanut oil, Safflower oil, Soya bean oil and Sunflower oil all contain vitamins, minerals and can be used for all types of skin.

Sesame oil – contains vitamins, minerals, protein, lecithin and amino acids and is useful in rheumatism, arthritis, eczema and psoriasis.